Sophie pritchard allergy

I’m a nail tech that developed a gel allergy: here’s my advice

By Guest Writer | 22 April 2025

Sophie Pritchard, founder of Creative Claws salon and academy in Anglesey, Wales, shares about her allergy experiences and lessons learned… I’ve been part of the nail industry for about 13 years and things have changed a lot since I joined. PPE wasn’t really a thing when I started out. Gloves? Dust extractors?…

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French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Salon card machine

3 steps to increase your beauty treatment prices without guilt

By Guest Writer | 12 April 2025

Beauty business mentor, Stevey Powell, shares how she teaches pros to confidently increase their service prices in three steps… The thought of raising your prices can feel overwhelming and downright scary. You can feel guilty and worried about losing clients. But here’s the secret: it’s all about how you frame…

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Katie barnes chrome guide

Chrome pigments: a nail expert shares a troubleshooting guide

By Katie Barnes | 6 April 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, offers advice for dealing with issues that can arise when using chrome pigments… The chrome nail trend is ever-popular, but are you applying chrome products correctly? Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so always follow these and get in touch with the…

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aftercare cuticle oil

Cuticle oil: what is its purpose & how often should it be applied?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 April 2025

‘Remember to oil your cuticles’ is a phrase we’ve all heard countless times. But what is cuticle oil and what are its benefits? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know… Cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to improve the health and appearance of nails and the surrounding skin.…

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Master ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips

By Lilly Delmage | 2 April 2025

The ultimate guide to everything you need to know as a nail tech who wants to capture high-quality nail photos… First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for social media users to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book…

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Zero waste

5 steps to become a zero waste to landfill nail salon

By Green Salon Collective | 30 March 2025

Green Salon Collective (GSC) was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland to responsibly dispose of their waste. Here, GSC shares how to tackle your salon waste and become zero to landfill, to reduce your overall…

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Mums to be, new & mature mums

How to tailor nail treatments to mums-to-be, new & mature mums

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 March 2025

Mother’s Day offers a chance to boost your treatment offerings to satisfy a range of clients. Let us show you how… Mums-to-be The aches and strains of a pregnancy warrant some well-deserved TLC, so turn your focus to expectant mothers. “Mothers-to-be have a lot to prepare for and depending on…

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Marie Louise Coster Mum Juggle

The mum juggle: how I’ve managed motherhood & a successful beauty business

By Marie-Louise Coster | 30 March 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, opens up about her experiences juggling parenthood and her beauty salon… I am not sure there is ever a right time to start a family. I was quite late to the table when it came to being a mum. Having tried for…

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Leeds salon owner: Learning to trust my team & delegate has been a game-changer

By Lilly Delmage | 29 March 2025

You Beauty founder, Rachel Dobson, shares her career story and how learning to delegate tasks has been critical to her success as a manager. Over the past five years, Rachel’s business has rapidly expanded and she reflects on the biggest lesson she has learned: “I tried to do everything myself…

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Neighbours

Home nail & beauty salons: how to maintain positive neighbour relations & resolve conflict

By Rebecca Hitchon | 29 March 2025

Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year finalists for 2024 offer advice for how home business owners can keep the peace with neighbours and resolve potential conflicts… Kirsty Brown, owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling – Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 “When opening a home salon,…

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Why do I have white spots on my nails? Causes & treatment for leukonychia

By Lilly Delmage | 28 March 2025

Have you noticed white spots appearing on your nails? This could be leukonychia – here’s everything you need to know… What is leukonychia? This refers to discolouration, which often appears as white dots or lines on the nail. According to book, Milady’s Art & Science Nail Technology, the cause of…

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Natural nails

Nail anatomy: essential parts of the nail every nail technician should know

By Katie Barnes | 27 March 2025

As a nail professional, it is paramount that you familiarise yourself with all parts of nail anatomy to ensure you are offering your clients a professional and thorough service. Understanding the purpose and growth of the nail The primary function of the nail is to protect the outermost bone of…

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Marie louise coster question

The question you should ask yourself to find success in the nail industry

By Marie-Louise Coster | 27 March 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, explores the question ‘what is your why?’… Have you ever considered what your why is? Your ‘why’ is the reason or motivation behind your decisions. There is a why behind everything you do, so what is yours? This is something I talk…

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